The Vancouver Canucks and their new AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, will require anyone attending games this season to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
Canucks Sports and Entertainment made the announcement hours after British Colombia’s provincial government introduced a proof of vaccination plan of its own.
The Canucks’ program will extend to all guests, building employees and event staff at Rogers Arena and Abbotsford Centre and covers games, concerts and other live events.
“The health and safety of our fans, employees, players and community has always been a top priority and we welcome today’s announcement by Premier Horgan, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix,” said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations, in a statement. “The new program will help us ensure everyone is as safe and comfortable as possible at Rogers Arena and the Abbotsford Centre. We will now work closely with local health authorities to implement an efficient and effective entry process for everyone coming to games, concerts and live events.”
Earlier Monday, B.C. premier John Horgan, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and provincial health minister Adrian Dix announced new “B.C. vaccine cards” will be required by anyone attending concerts, sporting events, movies, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos or fitness classes beginning on Sept. 13 through to at least Jan. 31, 2022.
“Getting vaccinated is the way forward through this pandemic,” Horgan said, according to the CBC.
A number of Canadian sports teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Winnipeg Jets and those under the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment and Calgary Sports and Entertainment umbrellas have announced similar vaccine policies in recent days.
